Canon showcasing the new goodies
Tech Radar makes the rounds with Canonâ€™s new Pixma Pro-1 and EOS 1D X.

Pixma Pro-1
We said the build quality was going to be better, and that may have been an understatement. The new Pro-1 weighs a staggering 27kg.

I am probably going to buy one for the massive reduction in print time compared to the Pixma 9500 Mark II.

Said of the Pixma Pro-1

We are told that there could still be changes, but the results from the Pixma Pro-1 are very impressive.Ã‚ Colours are faithfully reproduced and thereâ€™s a rich range of tones and the contrast is just right.

We were particularly impressed with the results on glossy paper, which is traditionally a problem area with pigment inks. The Chroma Optimizer appears to do its job well and prints have even glossiness with no bronzing that we could see.

EOS 1D X
Tech Radar has also written up a 3 page hands-on preview of the new 1D X.

Said of the 1D X Autofocus

Our time with the EOS-1DX indicates that the normal phase detection AF system is capable of locking onto subjects very quickly even in very low light. Switch to live view or video mode, however and the contrast detection system is predictably slower and more hesitant Ã¢â‚¬â€œ not much new to report there then.

I wonder how it would compare to my Epson 3880. I expect they will follow up with a 12 ink printer as well. I use Cone ink and huge tanks in my 3880, so a fill of ink goes a long ways and costs way less. I'd like to have a roll paper and cutter capabiliity. I have my 3880 adapted to use a roll, but its a limited length and no cutter.

I note one line from the linked article on the 1D X: "Canon tells us that the EOS-1D MK IV will continue, so those who like the 1.3x crop factor can still opt to buy that camera." All previous statements indicate the 1D X is replacing both the 1Ds III and the 1D IV. Any other confirmation on continued production/availability of the 1D IV?

Picsfor

I wonder how it would compare to my Epson 3880. I expect they will follow up with a 12 ink printer as well. I use Cone ink and huge tanks in my 3880, so a fill of ink goes a long ways and costs way less. I'd like to have a roll paper and cutter capabiliity. I have my 3880 adapted to use a roll, but its a limited length and no cutter.

At the moment, i have to report that the Pro 1 has the edge, really. I got 2 mono prints and they really were astounding. I know togs who use that Epson printer because of its mono qualities, and up till now it has set the standard to beat - that batton has now passed i'm afraid.

Other than buying longer telephoto lenses, an in-camera cropping option that is selected prior to shooting would offer a solution for these photographers. Unfortunately, the EOS-1DX doesn't currently offer such a mode and Canon was unable to tell us if one might be added as a firmware upgrade.

And what benefit would that give? The camera shoots at 12fps out of the box full frame, do they even know the camera?

Justin

If the 1DIV and 1Ds3 didn't exist would we be marveling over this camera?

They need to check Canon's site before they write rubbish, the 1Ds3 is now in the archives section - meaning it is an EX Camera - note the term 'EX'.

I'll stick the my usual channels for opinions, much more accurate and reliable!

It's just a turn of phrase. He's commenting on the fact that Canon shooters have been used to shooting with these two options for years now. The new offering, the replacement offering, smashes the two together and arguably (the one the author is making) doesn't do much else to advance the lines. It doesn't realy exceed either of the original specs that distinguish the previously lines. i.e. slight increase in fps but loss of reach due to crop over the 1D4 and slight decrease in resolution characteristic over the 1Ds3 when nearly everyone expected a sizeable jump.

No, no, it makes sense. As soon as a new camera model is announced, all previous models in that line immediately stop taking good pictures, and in fact, many of those superceeded cameras dissolve, implode, dematerialize, or otherwise cease to exist.